Devices, kits, and methods for temporarily stopping an automatic flushing assembly for a toilet or urinal from flushing

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides devices, kits, and methods for temporarily stopping an automatic flushing assembly on a toilet or urinal from activating. The device may be placed over or on the sensor assembly of the toilet to temporarily block the sensor assembly from sensing the user. In preferred aspects, the device is composed of a material that the user is able to flush down the toilet or urinal such that when the user is finished, the device may be removed and disposed of directly into the toilet or urinal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/60/889,180 filed Feb. 9, 2007, entitled “Systems and Methods for Temporarily Stopping an Automatic Flushing Assembly for a Toilet or Urinal from Flushing,” to Stewart (Reference No. PRBN-0021), the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automatic flushing toilets and urinals (referred to herein collectively as “toilets”). More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and devices for temporarily stopping automatic flushing toilets from flushing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of toilets with automatic flush valves is becoming widespread in public restrooms. The automatic flush valves are meant to ensure that the toilets are always flushed. The automatic flush valves are further meant to reduce contamination from touching the handle on the toilet and odors from unflushed toilets. The automatic toilets will typically comprise a sensor assembly that is attached to a flush valve to control the automatic flushing of the toilets. The sensor assembly used to operate automatically flushing toilets may be passive or active. Passive sensors include passive infrared (PIR) sensors that sense the body of the user by electromagnetic energy that is received by the sensor. Active sensors provide a source of electromagnetic energy (radar, infrared, or the like) and see reflected energy from the target (the user of the toilet).

While automatically flushing toilets are generally effective, the automatically flushing toilets have a number of well documented disadvantages. For example, the toilet will frequently flush when the user does not want it to. This is a particular problem when a toilet is being used by small children as the sensor assembly associated with the toilet isn'table to reliably detect the presence of their small bodies. Such ill-timed flushes can seriously hinder a child's ability to be comfortable while using the toilet and is a deterrent to potty-training. Furthermore, unwanted flushing can also be a problem for adults who prefer to control the timing of the flush, so as to prevent the inadvertent flushing of the toilet (and associated spraying) while it is being used.

Consequently, what are needed are methods and devices for temporarily stopping an automatic flushing toilet from flushing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a device or product that is sized and shaped to temporarily block a sensor assembly that controls the flushing of a toilet. The blocking of the sensor assembly allows the user of the toilet to control the timing of the flush and prevents the inadvertent flushing of the toilet while the user is still using the toilet. In preferred aspects, the product is comprised of a flushable and/or biodegradable material and may be disposed of directly in the toilet. Such aspects reduce litter and reduce the possibility of clogging the toilet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for temporarily stopping an automatic toilet from flushing. In one aspect, the method comprises placing a device over, on, or around the sensor assembly on the toilet so as to prevent the sensor assembly from sensing the presence of the user in the range of the sensor assembly. This will allow the user to use the toilet without the worry of the toilet flushing inadvertently. Once the user is finished using the toilet, the user may remove the product from the sensor assembly so as to allow the sensor assembly to automatically flush the toilet. If the product is comprised of a biodegradable and flushable material, the user may dispose of the product directly in the toilet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides kits that include a plurality of the aforementioned devices. The kits may include a container that holds the plurality of devices. Instructions may be included in the kits and/or the instructions may be printed directly on the container. The instructions may describe any of the methods described herein. The kits maybe mounted in a housing placed in a bathroom stall (similar to a housing used to mount toilet seat liners), or the kits may be configured to be carried by a user (e.g., in a user's bag). For aspects that are configured to be carried by the user, the packaging may have a strap or other connection member that allows the user to hang the packaging on a hook in the bathroom stall.

For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet and urinal which include an automatic flushing assembly that has a sensor assembly connected to a flush valve.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first aspect of a device embodied by the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the first aspect of the device positioned to block a sensor assembly on the toilet.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of using the first aspect of the device to block the sensor assembly on the toilet.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second aspect of a device embodied by the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second aspect of the device positioned over the sensor assembly to block the sensor assembly from sensing the user of the toilet.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first kit embodied by the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the first kit mounted in a housing attached to a wall or door of a bathroom stall.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second kit embodied by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE ASPECTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet 1 or urinal 4 (referred to herein collectively as “toilet”) that includes a flush valve 2 that comprises a sensor assembly 3 that is configured to sense the user and control the automatic flushing of the toilet 1. The sensor assembly 3 has a sensor that uses active vision (radar, infrared reflected energy) or passive infrared sensing to sense the presence of the user while they are using (or not using) the toilet 1. The products, devices and kits of the present invention are adapted to block or otherwise interfere with the sensor assembly 3 to prevent the toilet 1 from flushing while the user is adjacent or on the toilet 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first version of a device 5 embodied by the present invention. The device 5 typically comprises a body 6 and a coupling assembly 8.

The device 5 may be composed of a variety of materials, but will typically be made of a material that is biodegradable and flushable. Some useful materials include tissue paper, paper, cellulose, and recycled material. By being flushable, the device of the present invention reduces litter and reduces toilet clogging. In alternative aspects, the materials could include plastic, metal, and the like, but such materials will typically not be flushable. The device 5 may be covered with a layer of wax (not shown) so as to improve dispensing from its packaging (FIGS. 8 and 9).

The device 5 may be any size, but will typically be of a size that fits over at least a portion of the face of the sensor assembly 3 to block the sensing of the user. The device 5 will typically be between approximately three inches by three inches and approximately five inches by four inches. While FIG. 2 shows a substantially rectangular shape, the device 5 may be circular, elliptical, shaped like a cartoon character (e.g., Mickey Mouse® head, Hello Kitty®, Spider Man®, Dora the Explorer®) other shapes that might appeal to children or adults, or the like.

The device 5 may be any color desired and may include graphics or text. If the devices 5 are to be used by children, the device may be colored for the particular child (e.g., boys could use blue colored devices, while girls could have pink colored devices) and they may include cartoon characters or other images.

The coupling assembly 8 used to temporarily position the device in front of the sensor assembly 3 may be any type of conventional or proprietary type of means to attach the device to the sensor assembly. For example, the coupling assembly 8 may comprise double sided tape, adhesive, or a static charge applied to the device 5 in an intermittent pattern or complete coverage pattern. The coupling assembly 8 may be applied to one side or both sides of the device 5. In some aspects, the coupling assembly may be covered by a removable backing (not shown), such as a disposable sheet similar to that found on a Band-Aid® bandage, so as to cover the coupling assembly 8. When the user is ready to apply the device 5 to the sensor, the user may remove the backing and attach the device 5 to the sensor assembly 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device 5 temporarily positioned in front of the sensor assembly 3 to prevent the toilet 1 from sensing the presence/absence of the user and therefore preventing the flushing of the toilet. FIG. 4 illustrates a method of use in which the device 5 is temporarily attached in front of the sensor assembly 3 to block the sensor's ability to detect the toilet/urinal user. When the user is finished using the toilet 1, the device 5 may be removed from the sensor assembly 3 and thrown in the toilet or elsewhere (not shown).

FIG. 5 illustrates a second version of the device 9 embodied by the present invention. The device 9 typically comprises a body 10 and a coupling assembly 12. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 5, the body comprises a cup shape or hemispherical shape so as to allow for placing of the device 9 over the sensor assembly 3. In such aspects, the coupling assembly 12 may be the opening and the inner surface of the device 9 that rests on top of the housing of the sensor assembly 3. But similar to the first aspect, the device 9 could also include double sided tape, adhesive, or a static charge to improve the attachment to the sensor assembly 3. FIG. 6 illustrates the device 9 in use, in which the device 9 is temporarily positioned over the sensor assembly 3 to block its ability to detect the user. After the user has finished using the toilet, the user can remove the device 9 and discard of the device 9 in the toilet 1 (or elsewhere).

FIG. 7 illustrates one aspect of a kit 13 of the present invention. The kit 13 comprises a container 14, such as a box, carton, or soft sided packet, that is sized and shape to receive a plurality of device 5, 9. The container 14 will typically have an opening, such as a perforated portion 15 that is removed, to allow the user to access the devices 5, 9 stored in the container 14. The container 14 may contain instructions of how to use the device 5, 9 and may include any of the methods described above. The container 14 may be of a size to hold a full sized device 5, 9, or a device 5, 9 that is folded (e.g., in half, in thirds, or the like). Of course, a variety of different type of containers 14 may be used to hold the devices 5, 9

As shown in FIG. 8, the kit 13 may be mounted to a wall or door 16 the bathroom stall 17 so as to be readily accessible by the user. In an alternative aspect shown in FIG. 9, the kit 13 may be carried by the user into the bathroom stall in a bag 18 and may be hung on hook 19 and used as needed.

While FIG. 1 shows an exposed flush valve, the present invention is equally applicable to toilets that have a hidden flush valve and the sensors are embedded in the wall of the bathroom stall or attached directly to the toilet. In such situations, the aspect of FIG. 2 is likely to be most useful.

While preferred aspects of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such aspects are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the aspects of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

1. A device for temporarily blocking a sensor assembly attached to a flush valve on a toilet or urinal, the device comprising: a body that is sized and shaped to block the sensor assembly to prevent the sensor assembly from sensing a user adjacent or on the toilet or urinal; and a coupling assembly configured to temporarily position the body adjacent the sensor assembly.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the body is biodegradable.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the body is flushable.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the body comprises cellulose.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the body comprises paper.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the body comprises dissolvable tissue.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the coupling assembly comprises adhesive.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the sensor assembly comprising a body and a sensor face, wherein the coupling assembly is configured to be placed over the sensor assembly body.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the coupling assembly comprises a static charge in the body that is configured to removably attach the body to the sensor assembly.
 10. A kit for blocking a sensor assembly on a toilet or urinal, the kit comprising: a plurality of devices, each of the devices comprising a body that is sized and shaped to block the sensor assembly to prevent the sensor assembly from sensing a user adjacent or on the toilet or urinal and a coupling assembly configured to temporarily position the body adjacent the sensor assembly; and a container configured to hold the plurality of devices.
 11. The kit of claim 10 wherein the plurality of devices are disposable.
 12. The kit of claim 10 wherein the devices comprise a flushable material.
 13. The kit of claim 10 wherein the plurality of devices comprise a biodegradable material.
 14. The kit of claim 10 wherein the plurality of devices comprise dissolvable cellulose.
 15. The kit of claim 10 wherein the coupling assembly comprises adhesive or double-sided tape.
 16. The kit of claim 10 wherein the sensor assembly comprising a body and a sensor face, wherein the coupling assembly is configured to be placed over the sensor assembly body.
 17. The kit of claim 10 wherein the coupling assembly comprises a static charge in the body that is configured to removably attach the body to the sensor assembly.
 18. A method of blocking a sensor assembly on a toilet or urinal, the method comprising: temporarily placing a device over or on the sensor assembly of the toilet or urinal to block the sensor assembly from sensing a user of the toilet or urinal; removing the device from the sensor assembly; and disposing of the device in the toilet or urinal.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein temporarily placing the device on the sensor assembly comprises statically attaching the device on the sensor assembly.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein temporarily placing the device on the sensor assembly comprises sticking the device on the sensor assembly using at least one of an adhesive or double sided tape that is on at least one side of the device. 